Title: Cognitive transformation of founder CEO in Acer: a case study

Authors: Ming-Ji Lin, Yueh-Chin Chen

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda Rd., Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 320, Taiwan. ' Department of Business Administration, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda Rd., Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 320, Taiwan

Abstract: Founder CEO cognitive transformation is a necessary step in creating a successful business in the entrepreneurial process, yet there has been little conceptual and empirical development of this issue in literature. This study examines the cognitive modulation of founder CEOs to improve their managerial abilities while handling business crises. An in-depth case study on Mr. Stan Shih, founder CEO of Acer, suggests that founder CEOs are more likely to transform their cognitive and managerial abilities when they face business crises or failures with a positive attitude. Moreover, the findings of this study propose a cyclic framework to illustrate the importance of learning from failure. Implications for future research on founder CEO transformations are discussed.

Keywords: cognition; founder CEOs; cognitive transformation; managerial ability; case study; Acer; entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial process; business crises; management; business failures; learning; Chief Executive Officers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2006.008172

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2006 Vol.7 No.1, pp.71 - 87

Published online: 22 Nov 2005 *

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